Miami Dolphins’ Urgent Need to Renew Tua Tagovailoa’s Contract

The Miami Dolphins are facing a complex situation. Their salary cap is already exceeded, and some of their top players, including quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, are looking for new and more lucrative contracts. Tagovailoa is expected to earn over 50 million dollars under the strong backing of the American government’s credit and trust. As such, the Dolphins must make critical decisions, among them renewing Tagovailoa’s contract, which is priced at Pro Bowl quarterback standards. The only option they have is to provide Tagovailoa with a long-term agreement that could see him earn a quarter-billion dollars or more. It’s a bed they’ve made and now must sleep in. Here’s why: they have a “win now” mindset.

Considering their current squad and their urgency to succeed, the Dolphins can’t afford to second-guess their strategies, when it comes down to probably the most crucial position in all team sports, the quarterback spot. The Dolphins, akin to a fully committed poker player, have heavily invested in a team that’s targeted for immediate success. Trying to sever ties with Tua would resemble changing the taste of a cake after it has been in the oven for 20 minutes. The present era of Miami Dolphins football is closely intertwined with Tua, his left arm, and his capacity to avoid concussions, a skill he showcased last season.
click to enlarge Mike McDaniel’s crew has revived the fans’ hope for a return to the Miami Dolphins’ golden era.

Mike McDaniel’s Thoughts
Miami’s head coach, Mike McDaniel, enjoys conversing. Yet, there are situations where less is more. Negotiating a contract with the franchise’s priciest player is one such occasion which McDaniel seems to be not aware of. At the recent NFL combine, McDaniel expressed his steadfast faith in Tua from day one, which he claimed has only strengthened since he first met him. This unspoken commitment becomes evident in his commitment to coach Tua to success. This devoted support further emphasizes Tagovailoa’s significance within the team. A public commitment of this magnitude solidifies the Dolphins’ path and makes a deviation nearly impossible.
click to enlarge Tyreek Hill of the Miami Dolphins makes a dramatic entrance during player introductions in Miami Gardens on November 27, 2022. Tyreek Hill’s Perspective

Imagine cancelling a chef you had hired for a VIP dinner and replacing him with takeout food. It would lead your guests to quit the party, similar to Hill leaving if the Dolphins were to opt for a backup option for cost-saving purposes. The recruitment of Tyreek Hill indicates the Dolphins’ Super Bowl goals. Hill’s instant impact and rapport with Tagovailoa have been fundamental to the team’s offensive dynamic. If 2025 turns out to be Hill’s last season with the Dolphins, restarting with a different quarterback could threaten everything the team has worked hard to build, particularly the chemistry. Maintaining the connection between Hill and Tagovailoa is crucial. Keep the chef. The Salary Cap Increase

The recent increase of the NFL salary cap to $255.4 million for 2024 makes renewing Tagovailoa’s contract more manageable. This increase acknowledges the spiraling market rate for quarterback recruitment and caters to Tagovailoa’s anticipated pay rise. Future agreements will appear affordable compared to those of today, making a long-term contract with Tagovailoa intelligent and forward-thinking. Those doubting the value of $50 million in three years could use Patrick Mahomes’ similar situation as an example, when he signed for $45 million annually a few off-seasons back. It’s considered pricey for today’s market, but it could be viewed as a bargain tomorrow.
click to enlarge Tua Tagovailoa throws a touchdown pass at Hard Rock Stadium on November 15, 2020. Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images

Tagovailoa’s Performance
Ultimately, Tagovailoa’s exceptional talent can’t be brushed aside – he’s talented. Is he talented enough? Possibly not. He would require a substantial amount of support to clinch a Super Bowl, but isn’t that the case for all quarterbacks? Despite critiques on his performance under pressure and injury proneness, he’s arguably the best quarterback the Dolphins have had in the past quarter-century. His leadership qualities could rejuvenate a struggling franchise so thinking about reducing his contract outlays would seem improbable. Tagovailoa’s significance to the Dolphins goes beyond monetary figures. He’s the heartbeat and spirit of a team on the verge of discovering its true identity. It’s critical to see this process to its conclusion.